Several years ago, I reposted an older blogpost talking about the gaming phenomenon knows as boss battles. This time, I would like to expand upon that by covering additional miscellaneous notes about them, as well as sharing some of my favorite boss battles out there aside from the ones listed in the original post. This time, modern boss battles will be depicted briefly.
Sometimes a boss battle can be so effective because of the revelation of your final foe, and the lecture they then give upon your protagonist. Forrest Kayson is a grotesque highlight in a mediocre but infamous video game of recent years. He is completely a deus ex machina in a broken twisted Twin Peaks game world.
Given the right buildup, pacing and tactic of defeating an opponent, a boss battle can be greatly rewarding. Yuga's final form in A Link Between Worlds is a combination of might and magic, or Power and Wisdom respectfully, and it's up to Link to use his Courage as well as his latest gifted special ability of travering walls.
As often is the case with the Metal Gear Solid franchise, the bosses aren't just a physical threat, but often a psychological one too, each coming with their own personalities. The Sorrow lets you recap all of the fallen foes you have killed off, and he can be beaten in a number of creative ways.
Ever had to face off against not one, but two different kinds of bosses at once!? The idea can be creative, as well as hard to pull off, considering balance, space and the overall design. Prometheus and Pandora is a notable example, but there are few others, such as Dracula and Death, or Jill and Wesker.
Some bosses are optional in design and thus are not required to defeat in order to progress further. The Ancient Dragon in Dark Souls II is a fine example of what appears to be a friendly host first, unless you poke him inappropriately.
Then there are those boss battles which simply are the best at what they try to achieve. Senator Armstrong in Metal Gear Rising Revengeance is to me a great final boss, for he truly is a challenging and intimidating foe, with all of his all over the top glory enhancing his effect and lasting appeal. He has also become a meme generator.
Nowadays, when looking at mainstream AAA titles, ignoring Nintendo, boss fights seem to have been replaced by more lesser enemies and more cinematic experiences. It's kind of a shame, but at the same time, it's fine that not all video games need them.
As long as this feature like 2D games keeps being welcome even in this 8th generation, I will be content with whatever happens next, as long as the boss battles can remain entertaining, creative, challenging and even unforgettable.
No comments:
Post a Comment